Phoenix Beat United for the Second Throwdown in a Row

For the second time in a row the South East Melbourne Phoenix have delighted their home crowd by defeating arch rivals Melbourne United for the second home game in a row.

Phoenix took the lead early in the opening minutes and while United tied the score twice, they never hit the lead.

United hung around most of the game and any time the Phoenix looked to break it open they managed to keep the margin in single figures. 

In the final two minutes United tied the game at 72, the Phoenix immediately answered through an Alan Williams floater that gave them the lead for good. 

Phoenix are back at home on Thursday night against the Illawarra Hawks before their final home game at the Fire Pit on Sunday against the Adelaide 36ers.

The Result:

South East Melbourne Phoenix 78 - 72 Melbourne United

The Numbers

Phoenix

Williams: 18 points, 12 rebounds
Browne: 17 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists
Creek: 16 points

United

Rathan-Mayes: 15 points

The Turning Point

Chris Goulding missing 

With MU closing, a broken play saw the ball land in Goulding’s hands in the corner, the man who has so often broken Phoenix fans hearts lined up the shot and Phoenix fans held their breath, the shot left his hands, and as Phoenix fans let the breath escape, they yelled ‘air ball.’

The Play of the Game

Williams Floater

With the game tied at 72, Williams worked his magic with a floater from just outside the free throw line. Hat shot gave the Phoenix the momentum back and they held on to win  78-72. 

Player of the Game

Gary Browne

After a quiet game in New Zealand, Browne was back with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.

From the Coach

Simon Mitchell

“I think it was the personal pride thing, we watched some video before we came onto the floor. There’s no excuses, once you hit the floor this can’t happen with what happened in New Zealand.”

From the Player

Gary Browne

“I think we did a really good job and understanding the game. We’ve got a bunch of guys who are veterans so we understand each possession counts in the game. We understand we can’t be at the end of the quarter or at the beginning, we know we have to keep the same intensity.”

CLICK HERE for tickets to Thursday night's game against the Hawks.

Phoenix Media (3/12/22)